Niche Duo vs DF83V - which grinder is better?

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[GeelongVic]

Jack, an interesting comparison, and I agree that the result that counts the most is what falls into your cup. I own several grinders also: A Niche Zero, A Niche Duo, a Kafatek MC5, and a Ceado 37S with 83mm SSP Red burrs, and a Baratza Encore. I had had a DF83 for the briefest of time only because of frustrating mechanical issues. We use all of our grinders daily with our grouping of predominantly lever espresso machines. The Niche Duo is our favorite for French Press and pour overs, this is our hand-down favorite for pour overs. The Ceado 37S with the SSP burrs gives very great clarity and sweetness when paired with our E61 ECM Technika 5 PID, and this combination delivers both beautiful espressos and especially the milk based lattes and cappuccinos that we first have for breakfasts. The Kafatek MC5 when paired with a spring lever machine like the Londinium R24 for medium to dark roasts delivers great espressos. Using the MC5 with a Profitec Pro 800 because of the greater possible brewhead temperatures has become our favorite for light roast brewing. We finish off the mornings with a pairing of the Niche Zero, a classic dark roast, and our essentially modest priced 45mm basket Ponte Vecchio Export....and this combination always gives us beautiful classic single dose (7g) or double dose (14 g) espressos using single Fellini pulls.

Like you we have a LaPavoni Esperto with multiple Coffee Sensor mods, and with our Esperto we find the NZ to be the grinder of choice. So the reason why I have written this note to you is to state that the pairing of a particular grinder with a particular espresso machine (with their individual pressure and temperature profiles) has given us the understanding that no one grinder is optimum for all espresso machines. Some grinders pair better with particular machines. Because you use a Decent perhaps that has contributed to a very different experience in your hands compared with ours which is very heavy with traditional lever machines and their peculiarities....we use the machines/tools optimally as best as we can. In conclusion we love the Niche Duo for our pour-overs and French Press coffees. Cheers, we enjoy your reviews BTW. Keep up the good work.

[andrewgirard]

Keep up the great work, Jack! I find your content very useful and entertaining.

[hamys]

Always enjoyed your passionate reviews! Cancelled my DF83V2 order and waiting for the DF83V. DUO I can't seem to get the best out of it so my Niche ZERO is still holding the fort before the V arrives. Fingers crossed!

[maxuttech]

Nice work Jack, this is the way grinder comparisons should always be done. I can't stand when someone reviewing just says this one is better or they prefer a certain grinder without explaining why. You did a great job saying if you like dark coffees for espresso Duo is better, if you like light 83V is better. This has been my experience with grinders, one doesn't always produce better coffee than another, rather they each do better with different coffees and or brew methods.

[grahamwhiting]

Thanks for this! Enjoyed it. I have two family members with Niche Zero and they are both happy with them. They are reliable, neat and make a good base for milk based coffees. It looks like Niche are sticking to this base. The mechanical design is not great for burr alignment and 530 rpm is slow for flat burrs, even 83mm. Still produces decent flavours though as you have proved!
I like how Turin keep upping their game and it seems this is a good platform for an occasional burr upgrade.
I know looks are subjective, but can't unsee a cartoon steam engine, especially with the bellows.
I'm planning a new espresso grinder soon, but I think I'll wait for a review or two of the new Mazzer, which at least has the engineering nailed and would look good by the Bianca. Thanks again, enjoying the content and if I get the Mazzer Philos in April, happy to lend it for a review.

[notabenex]

I had Niche Zero since 2018 I think, great grinder, daily 5x espresso, no problem, with smal bellow almost no retention, quiet.. Was tempted to try flat burrs, so bought DF83 v2, and honestly I dont like the workflow at all, even with RDT there is always mess, i need to use two kinds of tools to remove retention... when you dial the coffee, its very good BUT.. Was waiting for your video, Duo in my basket, but rather will wait for something new. Thanks for making the video

[AnotherAnonymousMan]

Thanks for the excellent video! Just ordered a DF83v in UK. About a six week wait but I'm really looking forward.

I think the variable speed is game changer. Like mentioned, I think it might even offer as much versatility and variation in grind profile as a different set of burrs.

[erikasoldit]

My df83v’s shipping label was created today so I’m excited to get it and start playing. I see some side by side comparisons between it and my Niche Zero in my future. Appreciate the comparison with the duo since it was the other grinder I heavily considered before preordering the df83v.

[jackowens_]

Nice one Jack, I enjoyed that! Good insights.

[markpalmos]

good review mate, fair and informative.... thanks. I'd love to hear your timemore 078s vs DF83V comparison... probably very similar!

[karasong]

What I picked up from this video is that the DF83V is really good for clarity, even with the espresso burrs. I'm getting one. Til next time, Mazzer Philos. My upgrade syndrome led me to the DF83V.

[Cenotph]

My issue with the 83v is still the quirks that come with this brand and a bit of a limited range/precision dialing in for espresso compared to other grinders that offer 8 or even 5 micron stepped adjustments.

[MrProgressiveRock]

Hi Jack, I have only recently discovered your channel and I have been really enjoying your videos. I am a self confessed Niche person who owns both a zero and a duo and it is maybe just my own bias but I felt you seemed more critical of the Niche than the DF in this video. I am curious what you think of the build quality of the two; the Wired Gourmet’s video tearing down the duo convinced me that it is (if nothing else) a well engineered and constructed machine. It sounds silly but little things like the blue thread locker in the burr carrier bolts is reassuring to me that a product has been designed and manufactured to a high standard (the DF may also do this, I don’t know). The fact that the DF smells of paint would worry me as if they haven’t sorted a problem that obvious then it would make me wonder what else has been overlooked. The myriad niggles people had with the original DF64 is what ultimately made me choose the niche zero in the first place. Turin develop a lot of grinders very quickly and I must admit I would be reluctant to buy one of their machines knowing that they may release a new model in the near future.

I also kind of feel like people who are in the market for a 83mm flat burr grinder are probably going to plan on upgrading the stock burrs eventually. I have just upgraded to SSP LS burrs and found the difference in the cup to be larger than I anticipated. In that sense I feel like qualities like: speed, workflow and build quality are probably the most important. I do completely agree the Duo is frustratingly slow. As I say, I have gone the Niche route so all of the above may be a result of my biased perception but I have been very happy with my purchases.

Thanks again for all your content. BTW is that an Orea V4?

[JohnClutch]

Hello Jack, could you tell me what is your espresso and pourover settings range (with DLC espresso burrs)? Would really help me out, my DF83V just landed today 🥹

Thanks in advance!

[BensCoffeeRants]

I'm guessing the DF83v buzzing stops if you turn the main power switch off, right? I was just noticing the Breville Smart grind pro was buzzing today and that bugs me.

[kulkulan]

Thanks for another great video! I wonder how the Timermore 78 will compare with these. For under 1000, these are probably the main competitors now.

[HaveAGoodHeart]

DF into 98mm burr next year? may i know where can i find more info? i think it will be worth waiting

[rendezk]

For the pourover test did you use the espresso burrs in both grinders? How is the df83v with dlc espresso burrs for pourover if not?

[BensCoffeeRants]

Interesting at the same rpm how much faster Df83 is still.
Niche duo is good if you are actually going to frequently swap between different burrs.

The workflow of the original Niche zero was a game changer for the price there wasn't anything that had as nice and neat workflow. You'd have to spent a lot more and get a lagom p64 for a similar experience but with better flat burr options (and a portafilter fork and variable rpm!). The original Df64s in comparison were messier and needed a lot of little mods and tweaks but they've been consistently updating and tweaking the designs and accesories that come with it so you're right now the workflow is much better!

[roinok]

Cześć Jacek
Czekam na ten młynek z tym że mam mieć od razu z żarnami pod espresso i stąd mam pytanie?
Czy i jak długo żarna Ci się sezonowały/układały.
+/- od jakiego zakresu zaczynałeś.
I co trzeba zrobić zanim wsypię pierwsze ziarno
Pozdrawiam
Jka